Colombia announces rental aid for earthquake victims

President Abelardo de la Espriella announced a government program offering rental subsidies to families displaced by a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia. The initiative aims to provide immediate relief to around 1,150 families in Manizales who lost their homes.

The earthquake, which hit on Monday, has had a devastating impact across several regions. In the department of Caldas, where Manizales is located, six people died. Meanwhile, the nearby department of Risaralda has reported thousands of affected homes and at least 90 fatalities. The president expressed his sorrow upon witnessing the destruction in Pereira, the capital of Risaralda.

The seismic event's epicenter was near San José del Palmar in the Chocó department. The national death toll has risen to 181, though regional authorities estimate it could be as high as 240. President de la Espriella has visited heavily impacted areas, including Quibdó, Pereira, and Manizales, to assess the situation and coordinate the government's response. The government is also providing aid to families in Risaralda, where the damage is extensive.